Win You Over by CS Autumn

 

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧

My life changed when my father died, and in the time since, I’ve learned to accept that my voice will never be the same. There are years and a literal ocean between the boy I was and the man I am now.

Scholarship student.

Loyal best friend.

Talented fighter.

The only thorn in my side is Remington Langford. Cocky, popular, far too handsome for his own good, and insistent on calling me his friend.

When a lost bet turns into a trip to Italy as his fake boyfriend, we grow closer than we ever intended, and it’s not long before the lines between what’s for show and what’s not blur.

Something not everyone is happy about.

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

Holden Booker is a mystery—quiet, strong, guarded, and seemingly immune to my charm.

Not only do I want to know 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 about him, but I need to show him he can trust me.

I don’t intend to fall in love with him. I don’t even do relationships, but he’s everything I never knew I was looking for.

Faking our relationship is impossible when everything we feel is so 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭.

Enough to have someone I trust out to destroy us, breaking my heart along the way.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236014075-win-you-over

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Holden has had plenty of trauma in his life and a big result is his selective mutism. It’s hard for him to speak, even when he really wants to. But he promised himself that he would never be weak again. Leading him to fight for money at his college. There he meets, Remi. The popular boy who everyone seems to love and Holden can’t help but not like him. That is, until they are forced to work together on a school project. Holden gets to see the real Remi and he isn’t like the ones Remi surrounds himself with. Could Remi actually be different than what Holden originally assumed? Well, Holden is about to find out considering he somehow agreed (or lost a bet) to be Remi’s fake boyfriend to Remi’s sister’s wedding in Italy. The moment Remi noticed Holden, he was hooked. He wanted to know about this mysterious and quiet guy, but too bad Holden was unaffected by Remi’s charm. But Remi won’t give up. He knows there is something special about Holden and he just wants to have a chance to find out. To explore this thing he feels between them. Remi may never have wanted a real relationship before either, but being with Holden?  Well, that’s a game changer. Loved these two! This was a great story all around. I loved getting to know Holden and Remi and watch them fall in love. Holden has a lot of trust issues and for good reason, and it was so great to see him let his walls down bit by bit and trust his gut that Remi may just be a safe place. And being with Holden really let Remi grow as a person. They were just really cute together! Great story! 

Ice Cold Kisses by Saxon James

 

What happens at hockey camp, says at hockey camp.

At least that's the motto Thurston wants to live by when he volunteers over the off-season at the camp he used to attend. The one where his hot older crush still works. All he wants is to catch Lyle's eye, to get some interest from the closed-off man—I mean, he's a professional athlete now, dammit.

Will summer lead to Ice Cold Kisses or getting the cold shoulder once again?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250588939-ice-cold-kisses

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A cute short story that follows hockey player, Thurston, volunteering at hockey camp. Where he sees Lyle again, the guy he had a crush on a few years earlier. And turns out, these two have some unfinished business. Super short, I really wish there was more to it! But I love the ice hockey world that Saxon writes in so any story is one I’m going to enjoy. Two chapters that are short and sweet and to the point. Promising an interesting future between Thurston and Lyle. 

Mike Bravo Ops Book 5: Hazard by Eden Finley

 

Mike Bravo Ops Book 5

HAZARD

Joining the infamous Mike Bravo Ops to meet the godfather I never knew doesn’t go the way I expect. I’m hoping to meet the man I’ve only read about in my late father’s journals, someone who’s warm, caring, and a ride or die. But when I arrive, all I get is coldness and hostility from someone who doesn’t even want to know me.

I don’t understand how he can be the same man my father wrote so passionately about. Or why I find him annoyingly attractive.

DECAF

I’ve been through a lot in my lifetime—rejection from my family, enlisting in the military, a literal warzone—but nothing, nothing, comes close to the day I lost my best friend.

He’s the reason I have nightmares and hate sleeping, the reason I drink so much coffee. Now, his grown son shows up in my life, and there are so many reasons I don’t want him anywhere near me. Mike Bravo Ops is dangerous, and if Hazard stays here, there’s no way I can fulfil the promise I made to his father to protect him. The best way I can do that is if he stays as far away from me as possible.

But he has a familiar stubborn streak, and when he refuses to leave, he gives me no choice but to commit to my protector role.

If only I didn’t find it so confusing.

We have a connection, but how genuine can it be when the ghost of his father haunts us both?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/248959047-hazard

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The end of the Mike Bravo Ops series has arrived! And we are closing it out with Decaf and Hazard. A great way to end this series for sure. It’s time to learn a lot about these two. Like the fact that Decaf drinks a lot of coffee for a reason and the fact that he lost his best friend when they served in the military together. Decaf blames himself and how he was unable to save his friend. Now, so many years later, his best friend’s son arrives at Mike Bravo Ops. A son that Decaf never got to know because Hazard’s mom wouldn’t let him after she blamed himself for her husband’s death. Hazard doesn’t know the details of his dad’s death, but he knows he had to find Decaf because he would know everything about his dad. But when he arrives, it is clear that Decaf wants him far away from him. Months of antagonizing one another and months of realizing that underneath it all there is a deep attraction. But now, Mike Bravo has a big problem. They are being hunted and now it’s time to figure out a plan to survive. During this last mission, truths are revealed and the connection that Decaf was trying so hard resist is about to come crumbling down. But it may be just what he and Hazard both need. Like I said, a great way to end this series. I loved getting to know these two and see how their love story would play out considering their past history. And it just really tied a nice bow on all our favorite characters. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Six of Crows A Darker Shore: Letters from Ketterdam by Leigh Bardugo

 

Six of Crows Book 2.5

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo comes a new Grishaverse short story: a mystery told through found documents and set after the events of Crooked Kingdom.

In the years since the violent upheaval caused by the auction of Kuwei Yul-Bo, the merchants of Ketterdam have been under attack. Secret businesses exposed. Ships sunk. Slavers hunted as they once hunted their victims. All the work of a mysterious sea captain and her ship, the Wraith.

Now, two investigators meet to uncover the truth behind the latest disaster: a massacre on an island off the shores of Ketterdam. Among the evidence collected is private correspondence between notorious crime boss Kaz Brekker and an anonymous sailor aboard the Wraith known only as “I.”

Follow along with the lead investigator as he tries to piece together how such a disaster transpired, and explore the Grishaverse like never before with new illustrations by E.K. Belsher and in-world collectible items.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242232422-a-darker-shore

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We return to the Grishaverse in new and unique way for a short story told through mostly letters of some of my favorite characters. As two investigators meet to learn about the latest disaster in Ketterdam, it gives us a chance to catch catch up with Kaz, Inez, Jesper, and Wylan as they pass letters back and forth between them. Because we all know that anything that goes on in Ketterdam, the Crows are connected in some way. Loved being back in this world, even if it was for a short bit. Beautifully illustrated with some goodies hidden inside, you definitely don’t want to miss your chance on grabbing a copy!

Braided Fate Book 2: Captive Traitor King by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Braided Fate Book 2

Brigid Kemmerer returns with the sizzling, high-stakes sequel to the #1 international bestseller Warrior Princess Assassin—where the betrayals are deeper, the magic burns brighter, and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

CAPTIVE. Asher has always sworn loyalty to Jory, the princess he’s loved from afar—but now the King of Incendar has claimed a place in his heart too. Someone wants them both dead, and only Asher’s blade can keep them safe. Yet his past won’t let him go, and he must decide if he can break free—or remain prisoner to his old scars.

TRAITOR. Princess Jory of Astranza agreed to marry the King of Incendar to secure peace, but betrayal runs closer than she ever imagined. With her own brother unmasked as her enemy, two kingdoms teeter on the edge. To protect her people, she must take the throne. But there are still dark secrets to unravel that will force Jory to confront where her true allegiance lies.

KING. Maddox Kyronan has discovered trust—and something more—with his reluctant bride and her deadly protector, but the fragile alliance between their nations threatens to unravel. His people are starving. His enemies are circling in. Torn between the crown and his heart, Ky risks losing it all.

As buried truths surface and tensions reach a breaking point, Jory, Asher, and Ky must confront the desires that could save their kingdoms—or shatter them forever.

TROPES:

Why Choose/polyamorous romanceSecret MagicHidden IdentityHurt/ComfortRoyal-Political SchemingBetrayal/Redemption

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247546601-captive-traitor-king

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jory and Asher are desperate to take action after everything they have learned so far. But taking action without a plan isn’t the greatest idea as they are reminded by Ky. The three of them have come along way since they met but there is still a lot of trust to be built. Someone wants them all dead, but figuring out who exactly is behind it all is coming with some complications. They’ll need to work together, learn to trust one another, and figure out how to save their kingdoms. Another book filled with revelations, yet many more questions than answers. We get some pretty great twists too! It’s definitely trick to explain all that is going on without spoilers, so you definitely don’t want to miss out on this newest book in the series! But I loved these three and the relationship they have with one another. It definitely grows stronger in this book between the three of them. It’s clear how much they care for one another and that the three of them being together is what they all want. It will only make them stronger in what is to come. And with that cliffhanger and a pretty big revelation? Well, I cannot wait to see what happens next! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sins of the Father Book 4: Sweet Devotion by Riley Hart

 

Sins of the Father Book 4

When I first laid eyes on Zuri Alexander, I knew she was mine.

And becoming more than friends was just as easy as breathing.

But she doesn’t know my secrets. There’s a dark side to the family business. So, I lie to her to cover it up.

I know she can feel the wall building between us, and I want nothing more than to tear it down…but the only way to do that is to share my truth with her.

That the girl she’s dating is involved in organized crime.

But when Zuri becomes a target of what appears to be some red pill incel, I know we’re the only ones who can keep her safe.

I just hope she can trust me one last time.

Because my devotion to her means there is nothing I won’t do to protect her.

Sweet Devotion is a 24k-word novella that contains violence, an attempted abduction, misogyny, sl*t shaming, and discussion of losing parents.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250383477-sweet-devotion

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This series wouldn’t feel complete unless we got Aislin and Zuri’s story! This was a great novella for these two and see how Aislin finally takes the final step to share what her life is like with Zuri. From the moment, these two met, there were sparks. They got to start as friends before making it so much more. But Aislin will admit she has been holding back. While she can imagine Zuri can guess exactly what her family is like, telling her is different. But she can’t let her fear of losing Zuri keep her from telling the truth. It’s time to take a chance. Zuri knows Aislin hasn’t told her everything but she is there for when she does because she never imagined caring for someone the way she does Aislin. Especially after losing her own family. And when Zuri is threatened, she sees exactly what the O’Sheas are all about when it comes to protecting those they love. Absolutely loved these two! I was so happy to get a novella about them and see them get their happy ending. A great way to end this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vipers Book 3: Tempting Venom by Rina Kent

 

Vipers Book 3

From New York Times bestselling author Rina Kent comes a nail-biting MM dark romance between two hockey rivals.

When two ruthless enemies collide.

My name is Preston Armstrong, and I’m the most depraved bastard you’ll ever meet.

I take what I want, ruin what I don’t, and live exactly how I please.

That is, until I crash into the force of nature that is Marcus Osborn.

Captain of our rival hockey team, and the perpetual thorn in my side.

A migraine in human form and the one person who refuses to play by my rules.

He’s my brand of heartless and just as deranged.

I set out to crush him, his career, and his infuriatingly gorgeous face.

But Marcus hits back with equal force, turning our rivalry into a violent, addictive dance neither of us can walk away from.

We were supposed to annihilate each other.

Instead, we spark a fire that threatens to devour everything in its path.

In this battle of two unhinged souls, our bodies become collateral damage.

But I never expected our stone-cold hearts to get involved.

Tempting Venom is a male x male college romance. While this book can be read on its own, for a better understanding of the world, it's recommended to read Beautiful Venom & Sweet Venom first.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220735489-tempting-venom

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I have been beyond excited to get my hands on Preston and Marcus’s book and it has arrived! And even better, it was far from disappointing. Time to see what has exactly been going on between these two this entire series. Let’s start with Marcus. Marcus may be an Osborn, but he is essentially the illegitimate son. His mom loves him fiercely and has done what she can to protect him from his dad’s family. His dad has just never been emotionally there for Marcus. But now, years later, Marcus’s dad is trying to bring him into the fold? The reason? No male heirs. Not after Marcus’s half brothers have died. Doesn’t matter. Marcus wants nothing to do with that family. But he doesn’t mind using some connections when it comes to Preston Armstrong. Preston is chaotic and wild and a little unhinged. But that comes from serious trauma in his life. Something that just never truly been addressed in the best of ways throughout the years. But instead of running from it, Marcus seems to only want to come closer. While it may look like they are rivals on and off the ice, and okay they are, it becomes so much more when they cross some lines. Their relationship may seem messy and crazy and so many other things, but in reality… they are the best thing for one another. Marcus is Preston’s safe space, even if it takes him a while to realize it. And Preston is Marcus’s to protect and care for. I just really loved these two. They would do anything for one another and despite the push and pull, they find their way back to one another every time. We also had some great twists and turns in this book as well! While we know some big things from previous books in the series, it was interesting to get Marcus’s and Preston’s povs on it as well. Plus, there are always some good twists that you don’t see coming. My favorite of the three books for sure!